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Athearn HO scale General Electric AC4400 diesel locomotive
These are great models. I have a pair of Athearn RTR Dash 9’s in SP, and they are almost identical to the AC4400. The spotting differences are the inverter boxes and the SP letter spacing on the front (AC units have them closer than the DC units) that are depicted in the SP models. They represent SP’s modern locomotive look with the safety cabs and the extreme radiator grills. Today’s GE locomotives (ES44AC and DC) look very similar and help one imagine what SP would look like today. They look superb double-heading too.
I have a couple of these bad boys and I love em!!! rtr SP #352 is the newest addition
I posted a review about a Dash 8-40C for Conrail, and I think that my B23/30-7 better move over from Locomotive Numero Uno, because these bad boys can pull way more than a B23/30.
I just purchased two units in the Union Pacific Flag scheme.
I’ll start with items Athearn needs to improve upon.
The Flag is poorly rendered on both units. The decal stamp left vertical yellow stripes where it missed. I may be able to remedy this, but up close it is obvious.
A couple of detail parts were loose in the packaging; plow and step. Not difficult to reattach but emphasizes the need for better packaging protection.
The hand rails feel too delicate, unlike the handrails on the Genesis line. Take care as they will bend easily.
One of the frames was bent forward of the motor. I had to disassemble the engine for install of a sound decoder. I removed the forward truck and gear tower and bent the frame straight.
The drive train is what I expected, not rough, but certainly not as smooth as the offerings from proto/atlas/kato/bli. I understand the difference in quality as i purchased both locos for less than $65 each.
The rest of the paint and detailing is very good. Both locomotives run well and easily pull a unit train of loaded coal porters [60cars free rolling with metal wheels].
I’ve purchased two kato motors to refit these locomotives. I plan to super detail them and post my finding when I’m finished with the remotor/sound decoder install.
The AC4400 RTR from Athearn is certainly worth a look for modelers looking to have modern high horsepower units.